By ANNA USHER

One of Sydney’s most popular street festivals – drawing more than 50,000 visitors – is back this year, promising its biggest celebration yet.

Crows Nest will come alive on Sunday 19 October under the theme “Connection, Culture & Creativity”, with the popular event expanding its footprint around the brand-new Metro Station to take over even more village streets.

More than 200 market stalls will line the laneways, serving up gourmet food and wine, alongside art, fashion, jewellery, and sustainable products. For locals, it’s another milestone in the transformation of a tight-knit community that continues to go from strength to strength with new eateries and businesses opening their doors.

North Sydney Mayor Zoe Baker said the event has been a cornerstone of the local economy and identity for decades.

“The festival was founded at a time when local shopping centres were under threat from malls that were growing in both number and size,” she said.

“It was nurtured by the vision of local businesses, who recognised the need to work together to protect not only their livelihoods but the shopping centre they loved. And it has been sustained over decades by businesses, residents and North Sydney Council who all recognised the importance of a village centre for community connection.”

This year’s program is packed with something for everyone. Food Truck and Gourmet Alleys will offer international flavours, while licensed zones showcase top wineries, distillers, and brewers. A Kids Zone promises pony rides, a petting zoo, circus playground, and face painting.

Live entertainment will take over four stages across the village, including the Big Music Stage in Ernest Place featuring young local talent, and the Performance Space on Hume Street with over 200 performers. Returning favourites like Canine Capers, presented by Pet Medical Milsons Point, will once again see local dogs compete for prizes – always a crowd-pleaser.

Adding even more colour, roving entertainers will surprise visitors throughout the day, while Hume Park’s Art Battle will pit artists against each other in high-energy creative showdowns, backed by DJs and cold brews from 5th Day Brewery.

At the top of Willoughby Road, Smeg, presented by Winnings, will deliver a one-of-a-kind culinary experience. Festival-goers can check out the latest kitchen innovations, enjoy live demonstrations, and pick up practical tips to transform their cooking at home.

Festival Highlights:

• 200+ market stalls with food, wine, art, fashion, jewellery, and sustainable goods
• Four stages of live music, dance, and cooking demos
• Gourmet Food & Food Truck Alleys
• Kids Zone with rides, animals, circus play and face painting
• Canine Capers dog competition
• Art Battle at Arts.Beats.Bar with DJs and live painting
• Roving entertainers bringing surprises all day

With the new Metro Station now open, this year’s expanded festival footprint is set to deliver the most vibrant celebration of village life yet – reinforcing Crows Nest as the heart of Sydney’s lower north shore.

Event Details:

Crows Nest
Sunday 19 October 2025
10am – 5pm
Free entry
For the full program and updates, visit the official website.